Marie Dugan returned to Wilmington Montessori School as Interim Head of School in August 2012, bringing with her a profound knowledge of Montessori education, a deep love of Wilmington Montessori School, and 31 years of history with WMS, both as an American Montessori Society (AMS) certified teacher and founding head of school.

Following her retirement, Marie spent much of the past 12 years on the national Montessori stage and served AMS in a number of capacities including as executive director and board president. Marie continues to serve as AMS’s NGO representative to the United Nations, chair of the Archives Committee and member of the Development Committee. She was also honored in 2009 as the AMS Living Legacy. In addition, Marie is Coordinator of the Center for Montessori School Management at CMTE/NY, and has been a member of the Board of Trustees of Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges, the AMS Accreditation Commission and chair of the AMS Heads of Schools Section.

As WMS prepared to transition to new leadership, Marie agreed to return to the school as interim head through WMS's 50th birthday, which will be celebrated on January 31, 2014. During her time at WMS, Marie has worked to continue excellence in WMS’s Montessori curriculum, increase enrollment, revive the parent partnership/co-op program, increase financial and administrative support for staff and faculty, explore new fundraising opportunities (and match the first part of a $1 million challenge gift!), and strengthen the parent/school community – with the ultimate focus on WMS children who consistently look forward to school and experience joyful learning everyday.